Washington, D.C. — Today, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a case about whether a city can enforce its anti-discrimination laws over the objection of a religious group. The case, Fulton v. City of Philadelphia, involves a Catholic agency protesting its removal from the city’s foster care system because it discriminates against same-sex couples. A decision in favor of the adoption agency could establish a First Amendment right for businesses and government contractors to discriminate, undermining the country’s civil rights laws. In response, Winnie Stachelberg, executive vice president for External Affairs at the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement:
We should celebrate every family in Philadelphia and across America who opens their hearts and home to a child. The city government should not be forced to allow discrimination against some families. Religious-based agencies that accept taxpayer funds must act in the best interests of the children in their care. Sexual orientation, gender identity, faith, or other characteristics unrelated to a prospective parent’s abilities to provide a safe home should not affect placement decisions. These agencies cannot be allowed to weaponize religious freedom in order to deprive children of welcoming homes and loving families.
For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at [email protected] or 202-478-6327.